Erison Souza (R) of Kawasaki Frontale is tackled by Zheng Zheng of Shandong Taishan during their Asian Champions League round of 16 first-leg match in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, February 13, 2024. /CFP
Shandong Taishan lost to Japan's Kawasaki Frontale 3-2 in Tuesday's first leg of their round of 16 tie in the Asian Champions League.
In the 27th minute, Li Yuanyi's handball inside the area led to a penalty for Kawasaki Frontale. Erison Souza converted the penalty kick into a goal and the away team led 1-0.
Six minutes later, the visitors enlarged the lead to 2-0 thanks to a diving header from Marcinho Augusto Da Silva Barbosa.
Fei Nanduo (L) of Shandong Taishan celebrates with a teammate after scoring a goal against Kawasaki Frontale during their Asian Champions League round of 16 first-leg match in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, February 13, 2024. /CFP
Shandong improved on the offensive side in the second half. In the 57th minute, Fei Nanduo beat two Frontale defenders from the back of the penalty area and pulled one goal back for Shandong.
In the 79th minute, Shin Yamada's goal helped Kawasaki Frontale get back the two-goal advantage. In the closing minutes Jadson got a goal for Shandong, but it was too late for the host team to turn the tide.
The second leg will take place next week in Japan.